Collins H. Haines

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
Collins
Middle Name
H.
Last Name
Haines
Birthdate
Hometown
Riverton, NJ
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a white military suit and cap.
PreCapture Description

Collins Haines graduated from Officer Candidate School and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on May 6, 1955, and then attended Navy Supply Corps School at NAS Glynco, Georgia. His first assignment was as disbursing officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolph (CVA-15), followed by service as supply officer aboard the destroyer USS Davis (DD-937). Lieutenant Haines began flight training in December 1957, and was designated a Naval Aviator on May 1, 1959. He served as an S-2 Tracker pilot with VS-37 at NAS North Island, California, and then with VS-35 at NAS North Island. Lieutenant Haines served on the staff of CVSG-57 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet (CVS-12) from July to December 1962, and then with VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas. Lieutenant Commander Haines then served with VFP-63, flying the RF-8G Crusader, from January 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on June 5, 1967.

Post Release Image
Young man in military uniform shakes hands with crowd.
Post Release Description

Commander Haines was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973. He then served on the staff of Fighter/Airborne Early Warning Wing Pacific at NAS Miramar, California. His next assignment was as commanding officer of VFP-63, at that time the F-8 Replacement Squadron, followed by service as Executive Officer aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Okinawa (LPH-3) from. Captain Haines served as commanding officer of the attack transport USS Paul Revere (LPA-248), followed by attending the Senior Officer Ship Maintenance and Repair Course at Idaho Falls, Idaho. He served as commanding officer of the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LPH-10), followed by service as commanding officer of the Fleet Coordinating Group with 7th Fleet. His final assignment was as commander of Tactical Air Control Group One at Coronado, California, from March 1984 until his retirement from the Navy on September 11, 1986.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Legion of Merit (3)
  • Bronze Star
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release